HEAT LOSS THROUGH AIR Finally, radiation, which accounts for 50% to 80% of all heat transfer, will pass through air (or a vacuum) with ease, just as radiation travels the many million miles that separate the earth from the sun. Aluminum foil, with its reflective surface, can block the flow of radiation.
Radiant barriers consist of a highly reflective material, usually aluminum foil, which is applied to one or both sides of a number of substrate materials such as kraft paper, plastic films, cardboard, oriented strand board, and air infiltration barrier material.
Aluminum Foil, with its reflective surface can block the flow of radiation. Some foils have higher absorption and emissivity qualities than others. The variations run from 2% to 72%, a differential of over 2000%. Most aluminum insulations have only a 5% absorption and emissivity ratio.
Glass panels with gold, silver, aluminum, copper, and other metal coatings have good heat radiation reflection ability in sunlight.
This tells us that a dull, black surface is a better absorber of radiation than a shiny, polished surface. Dark matt surfaces are better at absorbing heat energy than light shiny surfaces. Dark matt surfaces are better at radiating heat energy than light shiny surfaces.
Does the Shiny Side of Aluminum Foil Reflect More Heat? Aluminum foil reflects heat from both its dull and shiny sides equally. While aluminum foil has a dull and shiny side, there is no difference in how either side reflects heat.
In applications such as space flight or balloon-borne instruments, where weight is a primary concern, aluminum heat shields are favored. While copper and aluminum both have high thermal conductivities, copper has traditionally been favored because of the ease of joining copper to copper and copper to stainless steel.
Aluminium foil is extremely heat resistant. And even in extreme cold, aluminium foil is only tougher and its hardness increases. Long service life and strong UV radiation have no influence on this material. The smooth surface allows easy cleaning.
Shiny metal surfaces, have low emissivities both in the visible wavelengths and in the far infrared. Such surfaces can be used to reduce heat transfer in both directions; an example of this is the multi-layer insulation used to insulate spacecraft.
NASA decided that foil has the strongest ability to prevent radiant heat loss and that's vital in space travel. It's lightweight: Foil insulation tends to come in rolls which are extremely lightweight and easy to wield… great in tricky spots such as small attic spaces.
Cotton is a great thermal insulator – as long as it's dry. Once wet, cotton becomes a poor insulator and does a poor job of preventing hypothermia-hence the old adage, “cotton kills”.
Beta particles travel appreciable distances in air, but can be reduced or stopped by a layer of clothing, thin sheet of plastic or a thin sheet of aluminum foil. Several feet of concrete or a thin sheet of a few inches of lead may be required to stop the more energetic gamma rays.
AtticFoil™ works to block radiant heat (97%) coming in to the attic by stapling it to the rafters, but it has no R-value. More information about R-value and radiant barriers.
Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, in windows and skylights to reflect heat back outside. If the air temperature outside is below 95°F, open a window and place an electric fan near the open window to assist with evaporative cooling.
Heat shielding provides thermal and acoustical solutions for automobiles. Automotive tier suppliers can source rolls of embossed and/or micro-perforated aluminum foil heat shield materials, or specify die cut foil that meets specific part geometries.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles: Known for excellent thermal conductivity, ceramic and porcelain tiles are among the best choices for radiant heat systems. They heat up quickly and retain warmth well.
In terms of traditional heat transfer thermal conductivity, aluminium foil is a better heat conductor than metal. Heat transfers from one molecule to another when they collide until the whole material reaches the same temperature level.
Tin foil is stiffer than aluminum foil. It tends to give a slight tin taste to food wrapped in it, which is a major reason it has largely been replaced by aluminum and other materials for wrapping food.
Emergency management agencies specifically recommend using aluminum foil-covered cardboard that goes between windows and drapes.
Answer and Explanation: Both sides of aluminum foil reflect heat. Although there is a dull side and a shiny side of aluminum foil, there is no difference in their performance when it comes to reflection of heat.
Drapes, darkening shades, roller shades, awnings and louvers all provide helpful window coverage. Outdoor awnings and louvers reduce the heat that enters a home more than indoor window shades or curtains. Additionally, consider adding reflective film to your windows.